Skincare company closes without notice, patients demand answers

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (KGO) -- A national skincare company closes its doors without notifying clients. Those clients, many who paid thousands of dollars for future treatments, want answers.

According to American Laser Skincare's LinkedIn account, the company performs more than 160,000 treatments including Botox and hair removal every month. On Friday, that number dropped to zero.

American Laser Skincare clients arrived for treatments at the San Francisco office Wednesday and found a locked door, no note and no explanation.

A dental hygienist working next door found confused customers in the hallway.

"A lot of people got ripped off," the dental hygienist said. "Honestly, if I was the patient, I would sue them."

The office closed Friday. Employees lost jobs and skincare clients lost their appointments.

A client spoke with ABC7 News asked to remain anonymous.

"I think it's unprofessional the way they're handling this going out of business thing," the patient said.

She financed $2,000 of her future treatments.

"I'm losing my money because I'm losing the package advantage," the patient said.

Phone calls placed to American Laser Skincare were not returned. The company only offered a brief statement on the website saying all clinics are closed and they "regret the impact."

Very poor Yelp reviews and a 7 On Your Side investigation showed a repeated pattern of dissatisfaction. In 2011, a woman sought Michael Finney's help after American Laser Skincare delayed her refund. Clients say the company cannot hide behind a closed door.

"It looks like there's going to be a legal lawsuit on the way," the woman said.

American Laser Skincare's Facebook account still advertises Black Friday deals, but former employees and customers have turned the page into a journal expressing shock, frustration and outrage.